MTU image Railroads ghost - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

The Episcopal Church of the Ascension was organized in 1854. It was named for the Church of the Ascension in New York City, whose rector and members contributed to its construction at the northeast corner of Houghton and Trap Streets in Ontonagon. The lot was donated by General Daniel Pittman, whose house was used as the first rectory after the church was completed in 1856.
This church fell victim to the Ontonagon fire of August of 1896. Fortunately, $2,500 of insurance monies provided an ample start in financing a new church and rectory. Services were held in a chapel car parked on a side track of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad depot while the new church and rectory were being planned and built.
This second church (pictured) would serve until a lightning strike in May of 1952 burned it and the rectory to the ground. Rebuilt yet again, the third Church of the Ascension occupies the same lot where the first and second stood, both now are #MissingintheCopperCountry.